Laboratory Service
All about fermenter biology. Fast and reliable.
The economical operation of a biogas plant and optimum substrate use are only possible with a stable and efficient biology. Therefore, always keep an eye on the fermentation process with regular checks.
Benefit from our laboratory service, which boasts many years of research work and laboratory support for more than 500 biogas plants.
Understanding the process
If substrate decomposition is stable, the concentration of organic acids is low. If there is a disturbance, their concentration increases. Among other things, we measure the acids for you using three parameters. The FOS/TAC provides information about the buffering capacity of your biology and the general acid concentration. We use our gas chromatography to determine the concentration of the most important organic acids. This allows us to see where the process is disturbed. If the acids increase and the buffer capacity is used up, the pH value falls.
Other factors
The dry matter provides information about the stirring ability in the fermenter. The organic dry matter also plays a decisive role, as only the organic content can provide energy. A high protein content in the feed can increase the concentration of ammonium nitrogen and inhibit the process. The electrical conductivity is linked to the salt content in the fermenter.
Regularly check your biology
Continuous sampling ensures that changing fermentation processes and inhibitions can be detected in good time and targeted countermeasures can be initiated.
We help you to classify the results of the analyses, find the cause of problems and provide recommendations for improving the fermenter biology. This includes, for example, the addition of additives such as Enzymaxx and Fermaxx
Our analyses for you at a glance
We offer laboratory packages in various sizes to suit the requirements of your plant. Talk to our biology experts to find out which values are crucial for you to ensure a stable and economical process.
One order, one invoice, one year’s supply: Put together your individual benefits package with us, including biological advice. Depending on the system, from just four combined analyses!
- Standard analysis of digestate
- Combined analysis: FOS / TAC, organic acids, acetic acid equivalent (calculated), ammonium nitrogen, pH value, electrical conductivity, dry matter, organic dry matter
- Base
- Combined analysis: FOS/TAC, organic acids, acetic acid equivalent (calculated), pH value
- Base + TS, oTS
- Combined analysis: base + dry matter, organic dry matter
- Base + NH4-N
- Combination analysis: Base + ammonium-nitrogen
Do you need other combination options or individual additional analyses? Then contact us directly! We will be happy to provide you with a customized offer.
The bacteria in the biogas plant require a sufficient supply of trace elements. If there are too few, the fermentation process deteriorates, leading to deficiency symptoms in the biology.
This can be quickly remedied by adding trace elements such as Fermaxx. Important! Our trace element analysis will provide you with an individual Fermaxx dosage.
NPK, which stands for total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, potassium and phosphate, provides information about the nutrient content of the fertilizer or fermentation residue. This makes it possible to calculate the application and avoid over- or under-fertilization in advance.
The Fertilizer Ordinance prescribes this examination on a regular basis.
How much water is in the feed for your biogas plant? Harvest, silage and other substrates – the dry matter determines the purchase price! Only the organic part of the dry matter provides energy. Inorganic components are not broken down, accumulate in the tank and pipes and wear out components more quickly.
The dry matter (DM) content is an important measure for determining the quality and therefore also for estimating the gas yield. Do you need several analyses? Then you will receive a 5% discount from 20 dry matter determinations. From 50 dry matter determinations you will receive a 10% discount.
Continuous analysis of the tanks is essential for optimum operation of the biogas plant. This is the only way to analyze trends and take countermeasures at an early stage. We therefore offer you customized annual packages. This is put together for you after consultation with you and our biological experts.
You don’t want an annual package in the first step, but only individual sample bottles for maximum flexibility? Then please contact us. We will provide you with sample bottles free of charge.
In combination with the analysis, we offer you individual biological advice. This is particularly important when biological problems occur. Our experts can quickly determine the cause of the problem based on regular analysis. We then work with you to develop a system-specific solution.
You will receive a sample bottle and return envelope from us. This is already equipped with a shipping label. All you have to do is book the collection online or by telephone and determine the location and time slot.
Fermentation tests
We solve the following questions for you in our fermentation test laboratory:
– How much methane can I produce from my substrate?
– Will the process be inhibited if I introduce a certain substrate into my fermenter?
– What is the residual gas potential of my system?
– Do I have to cover my fermentation residue store?
By answering these questions, you can optimize your process and thus increase the efficiency of your system.
Test fermenters - from the idea to realization
In addition to liquid manure and dung, renewable raw materials such as maize are also used in biogas plants. But what if other substrates or possibilities come into consideration?
Für spezielle Fragestellungen haben wir in unserem Labor eigens eingerichtete Testfermenter, mit denen noch so komplexe Sachverhalt auf den Grund gegangen werden kann. Unsere Testfermenter mit einem Volumen von 10L geben Antworten auf diese Fragen.
If the trial has worked on a small scale, we have the option of continuing it in larger test fermenters with up to 15m3 throughout the Group.
Our additives at a glance
Fermaxx®
Fermaxx® is a mixture of various trace elements which, when used correctly, leads to a significant improvement in the fermentation process. By supplying essential trace elements, deficiency symptoms in the fermenter are quickly remedied and the biological processes stabilized.
Enzymaxx®
With Enzymaxx®, our laboratory research has developed a mixture of enzymes and spore-forming bacteria that accelerates the decomposition of organic material and thus makes the fermenter contents more flowable and homogeneous and reduces the power consumption of the agitators.
Iron hydroxide
Iron hydroxide prevents the formation of hydrogen sulphide, which interferes with methane formation. It also ensures improved availability of trace elements.
News from the lab
In our blog posts, we provide you with detailed information on specific legal topics and show you the appropriate solutions.
Questions? Then contact us!
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